Ishtiaq ton helps Emirates FC make Dulsco Cup semis

BY : AMBROSE BRAGANZA.
DUBAI: Ishtiaq played a captain's knock to guide Emirates Flight Catering into the semi-finals of the Dulsco Corporate Cup with a magnificent century against Standard Chartered Bank at the DCC ground, on Friday.

The tournament, which is being hosted by Dulsco Sports Club and held under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council, is also being supported by Al Saffar Sports and cricketlovers.com

The loss of the toss proved to be a blessing in disguise for Ishtiaq as Emirates Flight Catering were sent in to bat by Gehan Fernando.

Ishtiaq looked to dominate the Standard Chartered attack from the word go. Even the early departure of Murali did not hamper Ishtiaq's game plan, who in the company of Anwar went on to post a 221-run partnership for the second wicket.

That probably took the match away from the bankmen as their bowlers, except for Ali who grabbed two wickets, toiled in vain.

Ishtiaq's 130, which came off only 81 deliveries, was embellished with 12 hits to the fence and on six occasions he cleared it without much fuss.

Anwar was not far behind and his contribution of an unfinished 78 from 67 balls proved invaluable towards the Emirates' total of 239.

Standard Charetered began their chase in right earnest with Anjum and Tariq putting on 36 runs for the opening wicket.

Captain Gehan then took the onus upon himself with a crafty 58. At one stage he and Ali looked inseparable with a 60-run partnership.

But Murali and Munir struck vital blows to end any hopes the bankmen had of making the last four stage.

Emirates will take on Jotun Paints in the semis. The winner of that match will play Solanki Constructions in the final.

BRIEF SCORES

Emirates Flight Catering beat Standard Chartered Bank by 39 runs

Emirates Flight Catering 239 for 2 (Ishtiaq 130, Anwar 78 not out; Ali 2 for 33) beat Standard Chartered Bank 200 all out (Gehan Fernando 58, Ali 49, Tariq 24; Murali 3 for 30, Munir 3 for 21). Man of the match: Ishtiaq of Emirates Flight Catering.

Sunday, April 18, 2004.
source : © Gulf Today.